Januaries always have this weird energy. For sure, it’s exciting. It’s a new year! We can start on a new slate! We promise ourselves, “This year will be my year.” But with this excitement and energy, a soft-spoken anxiety always lingers in the background. It’s that dark, creeping feeling that maybe this year will not be my year. What if 2022 is just another extension of 2020 and 2021? So, for this new year, I challenge myself, and I challenge you. It’s not always about achieving lofty goals and burning out in the process. Put yourself first this year and let’s all be gentle with ourselves, and each other. We’ll be including a gentle color palette to go along with these new goals as well.
Slow Mornings
Sometimes, the way you wake up can make or break your day. I’ve been trained (since elementary!) to rush through my morning routine. I have been hard-wired to wake up, bathe, get dressed, and be ready to go in under 20 minutes. Yes, it’s pretty hectic. And, it’s not such a nice way to start the day. Invest in slow and gentle mornings this new year. Switch up your blaring alarm clock to something much gentler. Prep all your morning essentials the night before. Lay out your clothes, bags, and gadgets in one area. Carve out 5 to 10 minutes of your morning routine to actually enjoy your coffee or tea. It really sets the tone for the day.
This gentle color palette consists of honey yellows and dusty oranges, like tender morning beams peeking through your bedroom’s curtains.
Stay Hydrated
Again, our goal for the year is to be gentle with ourselves. As much as upping your exercise routine sounds great and amazing, better health can start from something as simple as making sure you stay hydrated the whole day. I’ve been gifted with one of those huge insulated water bottles and it has really changed the game for me. Drinking more water can make you more alert, boost your metabolism, and give your skin a much needed healthy glow. Water sounds too boring? Mix it up with some lemon or cucumber slices. Or drink some tea instead. Who knew something so simple can give so many benefits?
This gentle color palette consists of deep blues and refreshing greens, like that first cool sip of water after waking up.
Nothing But Gratitude
As with a gentle morning routine, invest in an equally restorative evening routine. Most of the time, our bodies would love nothing more than to plop down in bed after a long day. Trust me, I get it. But, wouldn’t it be nice to actually carve out time for our bodies to unwind after a long day of school, work, or home errands? One thing that I’d really love to get into is a gratitude journal. Yes, I overbook my calendar with appointments and meetings. But I don’t want to look back on these years to be reminded of 9:00AM team meetings and my dogs’ monthly vet visits. Set aside a little quiet time before bed. Your gratitude entry doesn’t have to be a whole paragraph (unless you want it to be). Even just three to four bullet points is a good enough reminder of all the things we can be grateful for.
This gentle color palette consists of muted pinks and subtle purples, the serene gradient of sunset turning into dusk.
A Gentle Color Palette for the New Year
Slow and steady wins the race. While it might be tempting to hit the ground running this January, that’s a surefire way to run out of steam eventually. Like these gentle practices, we chose gentle colors for these new year palettes as well. Nothing too loud, nothing too bright. We hope you can take these small, doable goals and apply them for the new year.
Do you have any questions on paints, colors, or life in general? Send us a message at ask@myboysen.com. We’re always happy to help. Have a gentle new year!
